The Witness of the Father

Lesson #93

In this lesson we will look at the third of four witnesses given in John 5:33 – 47. These four witnesses are the witness of John the Baptist, the witness of works, the witness of the Father, and the witness of Scripture. For the witness of the Father we will look at John 5:37 – 38: “And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent” (ESV). This is a harsh statement to the Jews; one which will increase their level of anger toward Jesus.

At the baptism of Jesus a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17 ESV). I believe the Father has also spoken during the Old Testament times when he left peculiar markings along the way of a coming Messiah; one who would provide salvation. God spoke through the prophets is such a way that the Jews could have formed an idea of a coming Christ, but when he was manifested in the flesh before them as Jesus they despised him and therefore rejected him. The Jews boasted of their knowledge of the Law, but Jesus also called them on this because from the law they didn’t understand what Jesus was testifying of.

John said that they did not hear his voice, but yet they did hear his voice at the baptism of Jesus. The meaning is not just in hearing a sound of a voice, but what is implied is that they did not obey or listen to what God had been telling them. God had given the Jews sufficient evidence of his coming Son, but they disregarded it. 2 Corinthians 3:14 makes this clear: “But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away” (ESV).

Jesus tells them that they do not have the Word of God abiding in them and proof of this is that they didn’t believe the one whom the Father had sent. Jesus is the source of life and without him one remains dead in their sin. That is the message Jesus was declaring to the Jews. Are we any different today. God is speaking in many ways to us, but most tune him out and listen to the clamor of the world.

Prayer

Father, you love us so much you created a universe for us to live in and when we sinned you continued to love us and sent your Son to purchase our salvation. Throughout history you continued to reveal yourself and prepare us to receive your Son. Thank you for your promise that those who come to your Son in belief will experience an eternal love relationship with you. Help me to be more faithful and obedient as your child.

The Witness of Works

Lesson #92

In this lesson we will look at the second of four witnesses given in John 5:33 – 47. These four witnesses are the witness of John the Baptist, the witness of works, the witness of the Father, and the witness of Scripture. For the witness of works we will look at John 5:36: “But the testimony which I have is greater than the testimony of John; for the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works that I do—testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me” (NASB). By this statement, Jesus is claiming that his testimony is greater than that of John because of the works he was doing that substantiated his claim. These works we have covered in previous lessons and include the miracles of creating wine from water, healing the sick and raising the dead.

This verse contains something else we should think about. The Father had work that needed to be done and he chose his Son to go to earth and in a body of flesh and accomplish that work. The work that Jesus is doing points to the work he will do on the cross. Upon each work he does he provides more evidence of who he is and what is to be finally accomplished.

Consider the following verses and see how they relate to what God expects of us. We have been “chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:1 – 2 NASB). We have been chosen to obey, but to obey what? “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8 – 10 NASB). As with Jesus, God has chosen us to do work for him that he has prepared us for. The work Jesus did established the Church and the work we have been assigned to do is to expand the church. As Jesus worked he gave evidence of who he was and as we work give evidence of who we are in Christ. How strong of evidence are we each giving by our work?

Prayer

Father, I am afraid that if the effectiveness of the western church to influence our culture is any indication of how well we are doing as your workers then I don’t think we are doing a very good job. Father, forgive me and encourage me to be a better worker, to better handle the word of God.

The Witness of John the Baptist

Lesson #91

In this lesson we will look at the first of four witnesses given in John 5:33 – 47. These four witnesses are the witness of John the Baptist, the witness of works, the witness of the Father, and the witness of Scripture. For the witness of John the Baptist we will look at John 5:33 – 35: “You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. But the testimony which I receive is not from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was the lamp that was burning and was shining and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light” (NASB).

Those to whom Jesus spoke have heard the testimony of John the Baptist concerning him. John spoke the truth about Jesus and that should have been enough. John gave a satisfactory answer and had his listeners believed him and embraced Jesus as the Messiah they would have been saved. On this testimony Jesus should have been able to rest his case, proving that he was the Messiah. Jesus states clearly that his testimony is not from man but was from God and that he is from God and is the Messiah. What Jesus was saying, John had already given testimony of and that should have been sufficient to convince those in doubt of who Jesus was.

Before John was confined in prison he was a lamp, a fountain of light that was shining before these people and in that light they were willing to rejoice for a while. This was not the true light, but was a lamp giving sufficient light to illuminate their minds and guide them to the source of true light which was found in Jesus. Once the people realized that Jesus was the Messiah and was the true source of light, the popularity of John decreased and their rejoicing with John ceased.

The point being made is that John was a valid and sufficient witness to Jesus being the Messiah and true light. His testimony stands as evidence that what Jesus was saying about himself was indeed true.

Prayer

Father, it is not much different today. People hear or read the claims of Jesus Christ being the Messiah and they must decide if it is true or not. Those who understand and believe are those who are saved and enjoy the many benefits of their relationship with Jesus. Those who are not sure or completely reject the claims are left under your wrath. Father, thank you for giving me understanding and causing me to be born again. 

There Are Other Witnesses

Lesson #90

It is time to look ahead and see what topics remain in chapter 5. John 5:30 – 47 is arranged differently in various translations. Looking at the NASB translation we find verse 30 by itself, verse 31 and 32 together and the remaining verses divided up into four paragraphs. The four paragraphs relate to four different witnesses to Jesus. There is the witness of John the Baptist, the witness of works, the witness of the Father, and the witness of Scripture. We may devote a lesson to each witness. In this lesson we will look briefly at John 5:30 – 32.

Jesus said, “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me” (John 5:30 ESV). Jesus is saying that he doesn’t do anything on his own but is working in perfect harmony with the Father. While on earth, Jesus does not do or say anything that is not according to the perfect will of the Father; he acts by the Father’s direction in all things. When Jesus judges the behavior of the people he is interacting with, his judgments are just because they are not according to his own will, but according to the perfect will of the one who sent him; his Father.

Jesus continues by saying, “If I alone testify about Myself, My testimony is not true. There is another who testifies of Me, and I know that the testimony which He gives about Me is true” (John 5:31 – 32 NASB). Even though what Jesus is saying about himself coming from the Father is true, his listeners had the right to expect his statements to be confirmed by other evidence. The law that the people are under did not allow a person to testify in his own case, but required the witnesses of at least two others. Jesus is aware of this and says there is another who gives testimony of him. The gospel writer, John, will next list four such witnesses, which we will begin to look at in our next lesson.

Prayer

Father, it is with such joy that I prepare these lessons. Even if nobody reads them the discipline of preparing them and posting them and the blessing of learning more about you and your Son are without measure in value to me. When I compare how I could otherwise spend my time, I find those options pail in significance. I also find what the world has to offer is nothing but a shadow when compared to what you offer to those who believe. Thank you from the depths of my heart for your provision and work in my life.

Done Good or Done Evil

Lesson #89

In this lesson we will finish our study of John 5:25 – 29, by looking at verses 28 – 29: “Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment” (ESV). There are two groups in view here; those who have done good and those who have done evil. But how does one determine what doing good means? John 15 will help clarify this.

Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:1 – 2 ESV). Those who do good are the branches who bear fruit and those who do evil are the ones that do not bear fruit. But in order for a branch to bear fruit it must draw life from the vine; “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me” (John 15:4 ESV). Those who do good are the ones who have come to Jesus in faith and continue to grow spiritually. As we abide in him we continue to become more and more like him, bearing more and more fruit. Jesus continues: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 ESV). As we abide in Jesus we are able to bear much fruit, but apart from him we can produce nothing that is considered good. These who abide in Jesus are the ones who do good and are raised to the resurrection of life.

What about those who do not abide in Jesus? “If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned” (John 15:6 ESV). Apart from Jesus Christ it is not possible to bear fruit or to do good. The output from the lives of those apart from Jesus is worth nothing in the eyes of God. These people do only evil because what they do is not for God but for their own benefit in some way. They are the branches that are taken away and burned; they are the ones who are raised to the resurrection of judgment. By bearing fruit our Father is glorified and we prove to be disciples of Jesus (John 15:8).

 John says, “An hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out.” John does not limit resurrection just to those who were buried in tombs, but in light of other scriptures includes all who have died. Other thoughts expressed by commentators on this are outside the scope of this lesson.

Prayer

Father, again this lesson makes it very clear that our relationship with Jesus determines our eternal destiny. He divides humanity into two groups by providing us with the life we need to bear fruit. Thank you for that life.

Who Is Worthy to Execute Judgment

Lesson #88

In this lesson we will continue our study of John 5:25 – 29, by looking at verse 27: “And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man” (ESV). Because of the Father’s love for the world he sent the Son of God. His Son entered this world by taking on flesh and is called the Son of Man. The incarnation of the Son of God did not involve the subtraction of deity, but the addition of humanity. The Son of God reflects deity while the Son of Man reflects humanity. These two natures, divine and human, are conjoined into the person of Jesus.

Consider what Paul said to the people assembled on Mars Hill in Acts 17:30 – 31: “Therefore, although God has overlooked such times of ignorance, he now commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has set a day on which he is going to judge the world in righteousness, by a man whom he designated, having provided proof to everyone by raising him from the dead” (NET). This man who is going to judge the world in righteousness is the one who God raised from the dead; he is Jesus the Son of Man; a human nature.

Several more verses that add clarity to this need of a Son of Man is found in Revelation 5. “A mighty angel cries out with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” This question is asked at the end of human history when God unleashes on the world his final judgments. The answer given is, “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” However, John does not see a Lion but instead a Lamb who was found worthy: “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God” (Revelation 5:2, 5 – 6, 9 ESV).

Of the one who would judge the world, God required him to be a slain lamb; a crucified man. In order to judge the Son of God must become the suffering Son of Man; the Lamb of God. The death and resurrection of the Son of Man must occur first before the Son of God as the Lion of Judah can open the seals. The wages of sin is death. A perfect man must die for our sin and when he does he is qualified to execute judgment.

Prayer

Father, how thankful I am that provision was made for my sin to be covered so that I could be forgiven and given eternal life. Thank you for the sacrifice that was made for me and for the free gift of eternal life.

Jesus Has Life in Himself

Lesson #87

In this lesson we will continue our study of John 5:25 – 29, by looking at verse 26: “For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself” (ESV). In Psalm 36 verses 5 – 10 are some thoughts on the steadfast love of God. Within those verses is the phrase “For with you is the fountain of life” (v9 ESV). So God the Father has life within himself. He is the source, the fountain of life and by his voice he can communicate life to all things. But because the majesty of God is so far removed from us, so much above us, it would resemble an unknown and hidden source. To overcome this dilemma, the Father granted the Son to also have life in himself and make it available to us through Jesus Christ. As God the Father and God the Son the fountain of life dwells with them, but in their eternal relationship the Father is seen as eternally first. It is through the Son that authority is granted to make life available to us. For us, Jesus is our source of life. He is the fountain we must come to; the open fountain placed before us from which we can freely draw. Calvin said it very well; “God did not choose to have life hidden, and, as it were, buried within himself, and therefore he poured it into his Son that it might flow to us.” It is for this purpose that the Son was manifested in the flesh as the person of Jesus.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” . . . and “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men” . . . “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us.” (John 1:1, 4 and 14 NASB). In the beginning, in the Word, was life and that life became available to us through the Word becoming flesh. Jesus is the life; he is our only source of life.

“As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me” (John 6:57 ESV). God the Father sent the Son; he gave Jesus to us and whoever feeds on him or consumes him will live. We must consume food to live physically and in like manner we must consume Jesus because he is the source of our spiritual life. The eternal union we have with Jesus, the source of our life, is essential. Without it there is no life.

Prayer

Lord, as you reveal the deep truths of your word to me from which find such great benefit, I am burdened by the lack of desire on the part of so many believers to spend time learning from the Scriptures and applying what they learn to their daily life. Father, it seems that the western church has become a subculture of the western culture and as a result has become a “good” version of the culture. Father, as a result we don’t stand out as different than the world; we no longer challenge the world with the need to be holy and righteous as you are. Please, by your Spirit, raise up a biblical remnant to challenge the church today.